Office Eye Syndrome

Office Eye Syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) describes a condition in which the eyes become too dry and inflammation may develop.

Do your eyes itch and burn after long hours at the computer? Office Eye Syndrome?

In front of the computer, the eyes are working hard. Many people are familiar with itchy, burning, watery or red eyes. These sensations are often accompanied by headaches or neck pain. The causes of eye strain are quickly identified:

  • low humidity, e.g. due to dry heating air
  • environmental irritants such as dust, smoke and exhaust fumes
  • draughts, e.g. from windows or air conditioning
  • frequent temperature changes, especially during the cold season

Take these warning signs seriously and do something good for your eyes.

Measures Against Office Eye Syndrome

Even a 5-minute break per hour at the computer screen benefits your eyes. For example, stand up to make phone calls and look out the window instead of at the monitor.

Let your gaze wander into the distance every now and then and let it rest there for a moment. Focusing on a distant point not only relaxes the eye muscles.

Whether at the TV or the computer screen: do not forget to blink. With every blink, you supply your eyes with tear fluid and distribute it evenly over the cornea.

Avoid any forced blinking. Blink without wrinkling your forehead or tensing your facial muscles.

If you always keep your body well-hydrated, this also prevents tired and itchy eyes.

With closed lids, you can easily move your eyeballs, e.g., let them circle slowly. With closed eyes, many people can also concentrate, remember, and think better.

A small workout would be: look from the ceiling to the floor and trace an imaginary eight from right to left with your eyes, paint a word in the air with your finger and follow the fingertip with your gaze.

Rub your hands together for a few seconds until they become warm. Then place them on your (closed) eyes without pressure. Even this 30-second exercise can be enormously beneficial.

A gentle massage at the bridge of the nose or from the eyes to the temples relaxes the eyes. Lightly tapping the edges of the bones that frame the eye can also be soothing.

For sensitive eyes, you can obtain so-called “artificial tears” with nourishing active ingredients at any pharmacy. However, be sure to discuss prolonged use with your doctor.

For irritated eyes, glasses are often the better choice than constantly wearing contact lenses.

Anyone who frequently has eye problems with or without glasses should have their eyes tested; perhaps computer glasses will become necessary.

Anyone who frequently has eye problems with or without glasses should have their eyes tested; perhaps computer glasses will become necessary.

Eye Fatigue from Digital Devices

Digital devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. However, long screen use can lead to various eye complaints. Your eyes have to work harder and focus more frequently when you look at a screen. This can lead to symptoms such as eye fatigue, eye strain, blurred or double vision, and dry eyes.